Search form

Sprains, Strains, and Breaks—Oh My!

Sep 12, 2016

Sprains, strains, and breaks can be incredibly painful and sometimes difficult to tell apart. Often, the pain is similar in each case. While it’s best to ask a doctor to diagnose an injury, knowing the basics about sprains, strains, and breaks can help you be prepared and know when you need emergency medical attention.

Know the Difference

Sprains

Sprains involve a tear or stretch in a ligament, the tissue that connects bones, caused by stressing a joint and overstretching or tearing a ligament. With less severe sprains, the ligament only stretches or partially tears. However, with a very severe sprain, you will sometimes hear a pop or feel the ligament tear. This tear alters how the joint works. No matter how mild or severe, all sprains can cause pain, inflammation, bruising, and swelling. Most sprains occur in the ankle, and once you’ve sprained your ankle once, you’re at a higher risk to do so again.

Strains

Strains take place when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. Strains can also take place when a repetitive movement over time strains the muscle or tendon. The back and hamstring are the most common sites for a strain. Often athletes who play sports that include lots of jumping, like basketball and volleyball, strain their backs. Kicking, running, and leaping can strain a hamstring. You can spot a strain by these telltale symptoms:

Pain

Muscle spasms

Muscle weakness

Swelling

Inflammation

Cramping

Loss of function

Breaks

Breaks include fractures, splinters, and complete breaks. You may have broken a bone if you heard a snap or grinding sound during the injury, if you experience intense pain, or if there is deformity present. If you think you’ve broken a bone, seek medical care immediately. If the bone has broken through the skin or you suspect an injury to the head, neck, or back, call 911 and do not touch or move the affected area. Especially look out for numbness, poor circulation, and weakness in the area of the break, which call for emergency medical care.

How to Treat Sprains and Strains

While breaks and severe strains and sprains always require medical attention, very mild strains and sprains can oftentimes be treated at home. The RICE system is frequently used to treat strains and sprains. Follow these four steps to relieve pain and minimize damage if someone suffers a mild sprain or strain.

Prevention

Wearing proper shoes, stretching, warming up before exercising, and conditioning to build muscle strength all decrease your chances of suffering a sprain, strain, or break. Mix up your exercise routine often to work different areas of the body rather than overworking certain areas.

If you think you’ve severely injured a part of your body or broken a bone, visit a CHI St. Luke’s Health Emergency Department immediately. Find the location nearest you so you’re prepared when minutes matter.

Find a Doctor

Customize Your Healthcare Resources

Looking for tips to keep your health on track? Subscribe to our Health-eNotes newsletter for health resources personalized to your interests! You will receive helpful information to enhance your individual health and wellness. Join us as we create healthier communities!